FENCING ATTACHMENT DEVICES

Abstract

A fencing system includes a first support member, a first linking member and a second linking member each extending between a first end and an opposite second end. The first linking member includes a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot and the second linking member includes a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot. The system also includes a coupling member configured to couple the first linking member and the second linking member with the first support member in an arrangement where the first linking member is positioned on a first side of the first support member, the second linking member is positioned on an opposite, second side of the first support member, and the coupling member extends through the first elongated slots of each of the first linking member and the second linking member.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to adjustable fencing systems which may provide flexibility in the positioning and/or engagement between various components of the fencing system.

Fencing systems may involve a number of components which are coupled or engaged to one another. For example, a fencing system may include a number of posts which may be positioned in the ground, and a number of linking members such as fence rails may extend between and be coupled to the posts. The positioning and spacing of the fence posts may vary, which may, amongst other things, increase difficulties in coupling the linking members or fence rails to the posts.

In view of the foregoing, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.

The claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate examples of where the present disclosure may be utilized.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to adjustable fencing systems which may provide flexibility in the positioning and engagement between various components of the fencing system.

In one embodiment, a fencing system includes a first support member; a first linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end, the first linking member including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot; a second linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end, the second linking member including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot; and a coupling member configured to couple the first linking member and the second linking member with the first support member in an arrangement where the first linking member is positioned on a first side of the first support member, the second linking member is positioned on a second side of the first support member positioned opposite of the first side of the first support member, and the coupling member extends through the first elongated slot of the first linking member and the first elongated slot of the second linking member.

In another embodiment, a linking member for a fencing system includes a first portion extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second portion extending along a second longitudinal axis. A hinge is positioned between and couples the first portion and the second portion, and the hinge is configured to facilitate angular variation between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. The hinge includes a spherical head, a radiused receptacle receiving the spherical head, and a retaining member extending around at least a portion of the radiused receptacle.

In another embodiment, a method for assembling a fence includes positioning a first linking member on a first side of a first support member. The first linking member extends between a first end and an opposite second end and includes a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot. The method also includes positioning a second linking member on a second side of the first support member and opposite of the first linking member. The second horizontal member extends between a first end and an opposite second end and includes a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot. The method further includes positioning a coupling member through the first elongated slot of the first linking member, the first support member, and the first elongated slot of the second linking member to couple the first and second linking members to the first support member, and adjusting positioning of at least one of the first linking member and the second linking member relative to the first support member by sliding the first elongated slot of the at least one of the first linking member and the second linking member along the coupling member.

In alternative embodiments, assemblies, systems, apparatuses, and devices relating to fences, fencing systems and fencing components are provided.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the disclosed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a fencing system;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the fencing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment fencing system;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the fencing system illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end view of another alternative embodiment fencing system;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a hinged fencing member;

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate top views of different orientations of the hinged fencing member illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 7C-7D illustrate side views of different orientations of the hinged fencing member illustrated in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of a fencing system including the hinged fencing member illustrated in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the following embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the described subject matter, and such further applications of the disclosed principles as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively, to fencing systems including components which may provide flexibility in the assembly and arrangement of the fencing system. Turning now generally to FIGS. 1 and 2 for example, there is illustrated a fencing system 10 that may be used for any number of purposes. The fencing system 10 includes a first support member or post 12 spaced apart from a second support member or post 14. The fencing system 10 may include a number of posts in addition to the posts 12 and 14. In the illustrated form, one end of each of the posts 12 and 14 has been positioned in the ground G, and the other end of each of the posts 12 and 14 is positioned above the ground G. Each of the posts 12 and 14 includes a plurality of apertures 16 (only a few of which have been identified to preserve clarity). The apertures 16 may extend through the posts 12 and 14 and be configured to receive a coupling member, further details of which will be provided below.

The fencing system 10 also includes a plurality of linking members or rails 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d and 18e. The rails 18a-c are coupled to the posts 12 and 14, and one end of the rails 18d and 18e is coupled to a respective one of the posts 12 and 14. The fencing system 10 may include more or fewer rails than what is illustrated. Each of the rails 18a-e extends between a first end 20 and a second end 22, and includes a first elongated slot 24 and a second elongated slot 26. The rails 18a-e may, for example, have a hollow tubular configuration, although variations in their configuration are possible. In the illustrated form, the first elongated slot 24 is positioned inwardly from the first end 20 such that the first elongated slot 24 has an enclosed configuration. In other forms however, the first elongated slot 24 may extend to and open at the first end 20. Similarly, in the illustrated form, the second elongated slot 26 is positioned inwardly from the second end 22 such that the second elongated slot 26 has an enclosed configuration. In other forms however, the second elongated slot 26 may extend to and open at the second end 22. The first elongated slot 24 and the second elongated slot 26 are spaced from one another, although forms in which the first elongated slot 24 and the second elongated slot 26 communicate with one another to provide a single elongated slot are also possible.

As indicated above, the posts 12 and 14 each include a plurality apertures 16 which provide a number of different vertical levels at which the rails 18a-e may be coupled and positioned relative to the posts 12 and 14. As best seen in FIG. 2 for example, the rail 18a is coupled to the posts 12 and 14, and is positioned on a first side of the posts 12 and 14. In addition, the first end 20 of the rail 18a extends past the post 12 and the second end 22 of the rail 18a extends past the post 14. The rail 18d is coupled to the post 12 and is positioned on a second side of the post 12 relative to the rail 18a. The first end 20 of the rail 18d extends past the post 12 in an opposite direction from the first end 20 of the rail 18a. Similarly, in this arrangement, the rails 18a and 18d overlap with one another. In addition, the rails 18a and 18d are positioned on opposite sides of the post 12, as indicated above. The rail 18e is coupled to the post 14 and is positioned on a second side of the post 14 relative to the rail 18a. The first end 20 of the rail 18d extends past the post 12 in an opposite direction from the first end 20 of the rail 18a. Similarly, in this arrangement, the rails 18a and 18d overlap with one another. In addition, the rails 18a and 18e are positioned on opposite sides of the post 14, as indicated above. While not previously discussed, it is contemplated that the first ends 20 of the rails 18a, 18d and 18e could extend flush with the posts 12 and 14; stated alternatively, the first ends 20 would not extend past the posts 12 and 14 as illustrated.

In the illustrated arrangement, the first elongated slots 24 of the rails 18a and 18d align with one another on opposite sides of the post 12, and the second elongated slot 26 of the rail 18a and the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18e align with one another on opposite sides of the post 14. A coupling member 28a extends through the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18a, one of the apertures 16 of the post 12, and the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18d in order to couple the rails 18a and 18d to the post 12. A coupling member 28b extends through the second elongated slot 26 of the rail 18a, one of the apertures 16 of the post 14, and the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18e in order to couple the rails 18a and 18e to the post 14. In one non-limiting form, the coupling members 28a and 28b may be in the form of a threaded bolt and nut combination, although other variations are possible. In addition, the rails 18b and 18c may be engaged with the posts 12 and 14 in a similar fashion using coupling members which are the same as or similar to the coupling members 28a and 28b.

During assembly of the fencing system 10 for example, the coupling member 28a may be positioned through the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18a, one of the apertures 16 of the post 12, and the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18d and provisionally couple the rails 18a and 18d to the post 12 while still allowing adjustments to the positioning thereof. The positioning of the rails 18a and 18d relative to the post 12 and one another may thereafter be adjusted by sliding the rails 18a and 18d in one or more directions along the coupling member 28a positioned in the first elongated slots 24 of the rails 18a and 18c. When desired positioning of the rails 18a and 18d relative to one another, the post 12, and any other posts to which they may be coupled is achieved, the coupling member 28a may be tightened in order to secure the desired positioning of the rails 18a and 18d.

In a similar fashion, the coupling member 28b may be positioned through the second elongated slot 26 of the rail 18a, one of the apertures 16 of the post 14, and the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18e and provisionally couple the rails 18a and 18e to the post 14 while still allowing adjustments to the positioning thereof. The positioning of the rails 18a and 18e relative to the post 14 and one another may thereafter be adjusted by sliding the rails 18a and 18e in one or more directions along the coupling member 28b positioned in the second elongated slots 26 of the rail 18a and the first elongated slot 24 of the rail 18e. When desired positioning of the rails 18a and 18e relative to one another, the post 14, and any other posts to which they may be coupled is achieved, the coupling member 28b may be tightened in order to secure the desired positioning of the rails 18a and 18e. The rails 18b and 18c may also be coupled to the posts 12 and 14 in this manner, providing adjustability in the positioning of the rails 18b and 18c relative to the posts 12 and 14 after the rails 18b and 18c have been provisionally coupled thereto. When desired positioning of the rails 18b and 18c is provided, the coupling members coupling these rails to the posts 12 and 14 may be tightened to secure the desired positioning thereof. While the rails 18d and 18e have been illustrated in connection with the rail 18a, it should be appreciated that one or more similar or identical rails may be associated with one or both the rails 18b and 18c.

In view of the above, it should be appreciated that the elongated slots 24 and 26 in the rails 18a-18e allow for, amongst other things, variations in the positioning of the posts 12 and 14 (and others not illustrated) in the fencing system 10 without custom cutting or fitting the rails 18a-18e to account for the different spacing that may occur between the posts 12 and 14. In addition, the manner in which the rails 18a-18e are coupled to a side of the posts 12 and 14 also enables readily adjusting the rails 18a-18e relative to the posts 12 and 14, while the different apertures 16 in the posts 12 and 14 allows the rails 18a-18e to be placed at a variety of different vertical levels above the ground G. Moreover, while not previously mentioned, in some forms one or more of the rails 18a-18e could be coupled to one or both of the posts 12 and 14 without another rail being positioned on the opposite side of the posts 12 and 14. In these forms, the coupling members 28a and/or 28b could extend through the respective one or ones of the rails 18a-18e and an aperture 16 of the post 12 and/or the post 14 in order to couple these components together.

An alternative embodiment fencing system 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. The fencing system 110 includes a first support member or post 112 spaced from a second support member or post 114. A third support member or post 116 engages with the post 114, and a fourth support member or post (not shown) engages with the post 112. In this arrangement, the posts of the fencing system 110 may be positioned on the ground G and the engagement between the posts may provide vertical stability for the fencing system 110. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the posts of the fencing system 110 may be positioned in the ground G. The post 116 includes an upper portion 118 and a lower portion 120 which is positioned in and adjustable relative to the upper portion 118. In this configuration, the lower portion 120 may be moved in order to provide a desired orientation of the fencing system 110, and may likewise account for variations in the surface of the ground G. A locking member 122 may be used to secure the relative positioning of the upper portion 118 and the lower portion 120. In one form, the locking member 122 may be externally threaded and engage with a threaded aperture in the upper portion 118 such that upon rotation of the locking member 122 it may be threadingly advanced into contact with the lower portion 120 to secure its positioning.

As best seen in FIG. 4 for example, the fencing system 110 includes rails 18a-g. The rails 18f and 18g may be configured the same as the rails 18a-e as described herein above. The rails 18a-f are coupled to the posts 112 and 114, with the rails 18a and 18d being positioned on opposite sides of the posts 112 and 114, the rails 18b and 18e being positioned on opposite sides of the posts 112 and 114, and the rails 18c and 18f being positioned on opposite sides of the posts 112 and 114. In other forms for example, one or more of the rails 18a-f may be coupled to one of the posts 112 and 114 and extend to another post of the fencing system 110 (not shown) in a manner similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Similarly, in some aspects, the illustration of FIG. 3 could be considered to be a fencing segment or subsystem included in a larger overall fencing system. The rail 18g is coupled to the post 116 and the other post engaged with the post 112 (which is not shown).

Each of the posts 112 and 114 includes a plurality of apertures 115 (only a few of which have been identified to preserve clarity). The apertures 115 may extend through the posts 112 and 114 and be configured to receive a coupling member. Similarly, the fencing system 110 includes coupling members 28a-g which are used to couple the rails 18a-g to a respective one of the posts 112, 114, and 116. The coupling members 28c-g may be the same or substantially similar to the coupling members 28a and 28b as described herein above. As such, the fencing system 110 may be assembled in manner similar to that described above in connection with the fencing system 10 where the rails 18a-g provide flexibility in assembling the fencing system 110.

The fencing system 110 also includes a bracing member 124 which extends between the posts 112 and 114 to provide longitudinal stability to the fencing system 110 and, in particular, between the posts 112 and 114. The bracing member 124 may be configured the same or substantially similar as the rails 18a-e as described herein above. In one form for example, the rail 18g may serve as a bracing member in addition to or in lieu of the bracing member 124. The bracing member 124 may be coupled to the posts 112 and 114 with a coupling member which is the same as or substantially similar to the coupling members 28a and 28b as described herein. For example, the ends of the bracing member 124 may be coupled to the posts 112 and 114 on a side thereof which is positioned opposite of the side of the posts 112 and 114 on which the rails 18a-e are positioned. It should be understood that the other alternative embodiment fencing systems described herein may also include a bracing member such as the bracing member 124 or a substantially similar bracing member.

Another alternative embodiment fencing system 210 is illustrated in FIG. 5, where like numerals refer to like features previously described. The fencing system 210 is substantially similar to the fencing system 110. However, in the fencing system 210, the posts 214 and 216 intersect and are coupled to one another about a coupling point 218. In addition, the post 214 and the post 216 each includes a number of apertures similar to the apertures 115 (not shown in FIG. 5), and a number of apertures 215 that extend transversely to the apertures similar to the apertures 115. More particularly, in one non-limiting form, the apertures 215 may extend orthogonally to the apertures similar to the apertures 115. The apertures 215 of the posts 214 and 216 provide a number of different potential arrangements for the positioning of the coupling point 218, and for the posts 214 and 216 relative to one another. For example, if the desired spacing between the posts 214 and 216 at the ground G is larger, then the coupling point 218 may be provided utilizing lower ones of the apertures 215 on the posts 214 and 216, while the coupling point 218 may be provided utilizing higher ones of the apertures 215 on the posts 214 and 216 if closer spacing between the posts 214 and 216 at the ground G is desired.

The fencing system 210 also includes a cross member 220 which extends between and is coupled to the posts 214 and 216. In the illustrated form, the cross member 220 is coupled to the posts 214 and 216 at a location above the coupling point 218, although forms in which the cross member 220 may be coupled to the posts 214 and 216 below the coupling point 218 are also possible. The cross member 220 includes a number of apertures 222 which facilitate a range of variations in the positioning of the cross member 220 relative to the posts 214 and 216. More specifically, the apertures 222 maybe aligned with respective ones of the apertures 215 in the posts 214 and 216 and a coupling member such as a threaded bolt and nut combination may be used to couple the cross member 220 to the posts 214 and 216. When coupled to the posts 214 and 216, the cross member 220 may prevent movement of the posts 214 and 216 relative to one another. For example, the cross member 220 may prevent the lower ends of the posts 214 and 216 from moving toward or away from one another near the ground G. Similarly, the cross member 220 may prevent the upper ends of the posts 214 and 216 from moving toward or away from one another.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7A-D, further details of an alternative embodiment horizontal member or rail 318 will be provided. While only a portion of the rail 318 has been illustrated, it should be appreciated that the rail 318 may be the same as or substantially similar to the rails 18a-c as described herein above and illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the rail 318 may also be provided in forms having configurations that differ from those as otherwise illustrated and described. The rail 318 may be used in any of the systems described herein, either alone, in multiples, or in combination with the other rails described herein, or in fencing systems not described herein.

The rail 318 includes a first portion 320 which extends along a first longitudinal axis 1. The rail 318 also includes a second portion 322 which extends along a second longitudinal axis 11. A hinge 324 is positioned between and couples the first portion 320 and the second portion 322 and is configured to facilitate angular variation between the first longitudinal axis 1 and the second longitudinal axis 11, although forms in which the first longitudinal axis 1 and the second longitudinal axis 11 are aligned with one another are also possible. The hinge 324 includes a spherical head 326 extending from the first portion 320. In one form for example, the spherical head 326 may be formed on a coupling portion 327 such as a tubular member which is inserted into or otherwise coupled with the first portion 320, although other configurations are possible. In one aspect, the spherical head 326 may be secured to the first portion 320 by welding or any other suitable coupling technique, although forms in which these components are integrally formed with one another are also possible. In the illustrated form, the spherical head 326 is positioned on a stem 336 which extends from the coupling portion 327 and is sized smaller than the spherical head 326, although other variations are possible. In one form, the stem 336 may include a concave surface extending between the coupling portion 327 and the spherical head 326.

The hinge 324 also includes a radiused receptacle 328 which may receive the spherical head 326 extending from the first portion 320. In one form for example, the radiused receptacle 328 may be formed on a coupling portion 329 such as a tubular member which is inserted into the second portion 322, although other configurations are possible including ones in which these components are integrally formed. In one aspect, the radiused receptacle 328 may be secured to the second portion 322 by welding or any other suitable coupling technique. In the illustrated form, the radiused receptacle 328 includes a semi-circular portion 332 and a flared opening 334 communicating with the semi-circular portion 332, although other configurations are possible.

The hinge 324 further includes a retaining member 330 which extends around at least a portion of the radiused receptacle 328. In one aspect, the retaining member 330 may be in the form of a ring which is welded, crimped or otherwise coupled to a portion of the radiused receptacle 328. The retaining member 330 may prevent displacement of the spherical head 326 from the radiused receptacle 328 along a first axis which extends orthogonally to the view plane of FIG. 6.

In addition, the radiused receptable 328 may prevent displacement of the spherical head 326 therefrom along a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis and the longitudinal axes 1 and 11 when the longitudinal axes 1 and 11 are aligned with one another. This second axis would extend parallel to the view plane of FIG. 6. The radiused receptacle 328 also limits movement of the spherical head 326 in a first direction along the longitudinal axis 1 as the spherical head 326 bears against a surface of the radiused receptacle 328 facing the spherical head 326. Moreover, when the first portion 320 and the second portion 322 are both engaged with respective fence posts, movement of the spherical head 326 in a second direction along the longitudinal axis 1 and out of the radiused receptacle 328 is prevented. Forms in which the retaining member 330 may prevent displacement of the spherical head 326 from the radiused receptacle 328 in the second direction along the longitudinal axis 1 are also contemplated.

In one aspect, the flared opening 334 of the radiused receptacle 328 may engage against the stem 336 to limit angular variation between the first longitudinal axis 1 and the second longitudinal axis 11 (see FIG. 7B for example).

FIGS. 7A-D illustrate different arrangements of the hinge 324 in a top view (FIGS. 7A and 7B) and in a side view (FIGS. 7C and 7D) where a first arrangement of the hinge 324 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7C and a second arrangement of the hinge 324 is illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7D. In the first arrangement, the longitudinal axes 1 and 11 of the first portion 320 and the second portion 322 are generally aligned with one another such that the rail 318 could be used in a straight configuration between two posts. In the second arrangement of the hinge 324, the angle between the longitudinal axes 1 and 11 of the first portion 320 and the second portion 322 has been varied such that the rail 318 could be used to provide a turn or change of direction in a fencing system without the addition of a post where the turn or change of direction occurs. For example, a system 410 utilizing the rail 318 in this configuration is illustrated in FIG. 8, where like numerals refer to like features previously described. The rail 318 may also provide flexibility in situations where alignment of posts in a fencing system varies.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A fencing system, comprising: a first support member;a first linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end, the first linking member including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot;a second linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end, the second linking member including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot; anda coupling member configured to couple the first linking member and the second linking member with the first support member in an arrangement where the first linking member is positioned on a first side of the first support member, the second linking member is positioned on a second side of the first support member positioned opposite of the first side of the first support member, and the coupling member extends through the first elongated slot of the first linking member and the first elongated slot of the second linking member.

2. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the first elongated slot of the first linking member is inwardly spaced from the first end of the first linking member and the first elongated slot of the second linking member is inwardly spaced from the first end of the second linking member.

3. The fencing system of claim 2, wherein the second elongated slot of the first linking member is inwardly spaced from the second end of the first linking member and the first elongated slot of the second linking member is inwardly spaced from the second end of the second linking member.

4. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein in the arrangement the first linking member and the second linking member are slidably movable relative to the first support member.

5. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein in the arrangement the first linking member and the second linking member overlap.

6. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the first support member includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures configured to receive the coupling member.

7. The fencing system of claim 1, further comprising a second support member configured to intersect and engage with the first support member.

8. The fencing system of claim 7, further comprising a bracing member configured to engage with and extend between the first support member and the second support member at a location spaced from an intersection of the first support member and the second support member.

9. The fencing system of claim 1, further comprising a second support member configured to intersect and engage with the first support member, the second support member including an adjustable leg extending therefrom.

10. The fencing system of claim 1, wherein the first linking member includes a hinge positioned between the first end and the second end, the hinge being configured to facilitate angular variations between the first end and the second end of the first linking member.

11. The fencing system of claim 10, wherein the hinge includes a spherical head, a radiused receptacle receiving the spherical head, and a retaining member extending around at least a portion of the radiused receptacle.

12. The fencing system of claim 11, wherein the retaining member prevents displacement of the spherical head from the radiused receptacle along a first axis, the radiused receptacle prevents displacement of the spherical head therefrom along a second axis extending transversely to the first axis, and the radiused receptacle limits movement of the spherical head in a first direction along a third axis extending transversely to the first axis and the second axis.

13. A linking member for a fencing system, comprising: a first portion extending along a first longitudinal axis;a second portion extending along a second longitudinal axis; anda hinge positioned between and coupling the first portion and the second portion, wherein the hinge is configured to facilitate angular variation between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the hinge includes a spherical head, a radiused receptacle receiving the spherical head, and a retaining member extending around at least a portion of the radiused receptacle.

14. The linking member of claim 13, wherein the retaining member prevents displacement of the spherical head from the radiused receptacle along a first axis, the radiused receptacle prevents displacement of the spherical head therefrom along a second axis extending transversely to the first axis, and the radiused receptacle limits movement of the spherical head in a first direction along a third axis extending transversely to the first axis and the second axis.

15. The linking member of claim 13, wherein the hinge includes a first coupling portion positionable in the first portion and a second coupling portion positionable in the second portion.

16. The linking member of claim 13, wherein the first portion includes a first elongated slot formed therein and the second portion includes a second elongated slot formed therein.

17. The linking member of claim 13, wherein the radiused receptacle includes a semi-circular portion and a flared opening communicating with the semi-circular portion.

18. The linking member of claim 17, wherein the spherical head is positioned on a stem and the flared opening is configured to engage against the stem to limit angular variation between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis.

19. The linking member of claim 13, wherein the spherical head is positioned on a stem extending from an enlarged portion, the stem including a concave surface extending from the enlarged portion to the spherical head.

20. A method for assembling a fence, comprising: positioning a first linking member on a first side of a first support member, the first linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end and including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot;positioning a second linking member on a second side of the first support member and opposite of the first linking member, the second linking member extending between a first end and an opposite second end and including a first elongated slot spaced from a second elongated slot;positioning a coupling member through the first elongated slot of the first linking member, the first support member, and the first elongated slot of the second linking member to couple the first linking member and the second linking member to the first support member; andadjusting positioning of at least one of the first linking member and the second linking member relative to the first support member by sliding the first elongated slot of the at least one of the first linking member and the second linking member along the coupling member.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising securing the first support member in or to earthen ground.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising adjusting angular positioning of the second end of the first linking member relative to the first end of the first linking member and coupling the second end of the first linking member to a second support member.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein coupling the second end of the first linking member to the second support member includes positioning a coupling member through the second elongated slot of the first linking member.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first linking member includes a hinge positioned between the first end and the second end, the hinge being configured to facilitate angular variation between the first end and the second end and including a spherical head, a radiused receptacle receiving the spherical head, and a retaining member extending around at least a portion of the radiused receptacle.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot of the first linking member are closed.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein positioning the first linking member and positioning the second linking member includes providing an arrangement where the first support member spaces the first linking member from the second linking member and the first support member is positioned between the first end of the first linking member and the first end of the second linking member.